Kaapo Kahkonen has found his form for the San Jose Sharks, but the pending UFA could be on the trade block.

Kaapo Kahkonen has found his form for the San Jose Sharks, but the pending UFA could be on the trade block. 

Kahkonen will be a UFA at season's end and has a cap hit of $2.75 million. After a bumpy season in 22-23, Kahkonen has come back a different goalie. 

Through 18 games this season, the Finish netminder has a .902 save % and a 3.51 GAA. Kahkonen played nine games in December and had a .914 save %. He finished the month with a terrific performance against the Colorado Avalanche, stopping 30 shots. 

His value on the trade market continues to rise, and teams needing a goaltender continue to grow. 

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

The most obvious answer to who should acquire Kaapo Kahkonen is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ilya Samsonov was placed on waivers and has been the worst goalie in the NHL this season. 

Toronto will lean on former San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones until Joseph Woll returns from injury. The Leafs will likely need to shed salary to bring Kahkonen into the fold. 

Kahkonen would be joining a team with a better defense than the Sharks, which bodes well for the possibility of success.

2. Minnesota Wild

A reunion with the Minnesota Wild could be on the table for Kahkonen. Their starting goalie, Filip Gustavsson, will undergo an MRI and could be out long-term.

Kahkonen is familiar with the area, and new head coach John Hines should know Kaapo Kahkonen. Hynes spent time in San Jose with his good friend and Sharks coach David Quinn before joining the Wild. 

3. New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils could be a sneaky team to acquire Kahkonen. They sent down Akira Schmid, who has struggled this season. Vitek Vanecek has also struggled. 

Kahkonen could head east and help a team with Stanley Cup aspirations achieve those goals. 

It helps that the Devils and San Jose Sharks have recent trade history with Mackenzie Blackwood and Timo Meier. 

Whatever the case may be for Kahkonen, if he continues his strong play, his name will grow amongst trade rumors. 

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